AC leak causing mold: who fixes it, landlord or me?« Back to Previous Page

The black spots are almost certainly mold, a common result from AC condensate leaks in Dubai's humid climate. Your husband's persistent cough is a legitimate health concern, as this type of dampness-related mold frequently causes respiratory irritation and exacerbates allergies.

For the cleanup, surface mold on a hard wall can be cleaned with a diluted detergent solution. However, given the leak has been constant, the mold may have penetrated the drywall or backing, which requires professional remediation to properly remove the source and prevent spores from spreading.

The responsibility for the fix is defined by your tenancy contract. Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and the maintenance of fixed installations, which includes the AC unit and its internal drain line. You are typically responsible for reporting the issue in a timely manner. Document the leak and the mold with photos and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing. They are obligated to address the root cause—repairing the AC leak—to prevent recurrence. Simply cleaning the mold without fixing the leak will result in it returning quickly.

For a case like this with health symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to assess the mold's extent and provide a documented report, which can be useful for communicating with your landlord about the necessary repairs.